Peru: Head of judiciary defends judges decisions to allow convicted terrorists to travel

Amid criticism of the judiciary, the president of this branch of government, César San Martín , justified travel permits granted to Lori Berenson MRTA members (the U.S.) and Lautaro Mellado (Chile), who traveled to their countries of origin despite having parole. San Martin denied that there is a “soft hand” with the terrorists, and denounced the President of the Constitutional Court, Carlos Mesia. “This is about being fair, to have a fair hand. Neither soft nor hard. Doing justice from the legal system, “he said during a news conference. San Martin said he was surprised that the Minister of Justice, Juan Jimenez, has criticized the legal decisions when it comes to new cases as there are records. He said that in such cases those sentenced for terrorism returned to the country. “We have been issued permits in 2007 and 2009 (…) But in these cases the Ministry of Justice, therefore regrets, no appeal filed,” he said.